I had a great time at the Monson, Massachusetts Swap Meet last Sunday. My 13-year-old son, Angus, and I were up at 5 to drive down for the meet, armed with half a dozen old Brit bikes and several boxes of old goodies for sale. We arrived at dawn to find the place already abuzz with folks unloading, and even a good number of folks loading up their pre-show purchases. We didn’t sell any complete bikes, but did get rid of a few bits and pieces, and I picked up a lot of nice stuff, including a decent ’64 ladies’ Raleigh Sports and some NOS Raleigh brake levers, S-A shifters and cables. Part of that deal included a correct early fifties Sir Walter alloy kickstand, the one missing from my ’53 Superbe. Angus installed it for me while I was fending off the buyers. The Superbe isn’t for sale, but I wanted to bring it in to show people. I met a fellow who works at Harris Cyclery and who now has Sheldon Brown’s old ’53, apparently the identical machine to mine. We had a nice chat about Sheldon and about old English bikes in general. Perhaps the best part of the show for me was the Dollar Blanket. The fellow set up across the aisle from me had brought much of the contents of his father’s bike shop (Dad was there, too), and he was throwing handfuls of NOS parts from the seventies and earlier onto the blanket, all for a buck. A lot of it was British, so I made several trips over there, to feed with the other vultures. It was nice to see all the usual suspects in the old bike world and trade stories once again. I guess we’ll do it all over at Copake, NY next Friday (April 11th). Thanks to Jim for running this fun event yet again!Geoff RogersShutesbury, Massachusetts USA

I'm trying to put together a bike I can ride using a 70's Raleigh Tourist frame. While I piece together the original bits, I thought I'd put it together with what pieces I've got. Anyone know if this will work for the bottom bracket?

I found an nos Shimano UN70 bottom bracket. Spindle length 127mm. And my LBS had a pair of 26 tpi mounting rings made by Phil Wood they sold me cheap. So, I'm gonna take off the plastic threaded rings on the bb and slip the Phil Wood aluminum rings on there. Thread that sucker up. That's if I can find the Phil Wood tool. Anyone want to lend me one?

So, how do I set the bottom bracket in the shell? These Raleigh shells are pretty wide, 77mm compared to the usual 68mm. Is there a trick to screwing it in nice and tight, while also lining it up correctly for the chainline?

I think the Phil Wood rings do fit. I got the idea from Sheldon Brown after reading his page on Raleigh threading. He mentioned the UN72 bb. I think mine is the same size, just an older model UN70. He wrote:

* It happens that Shimano UN72 bottom brackets can also be used with Phil Wood retaining rings. The UN72 model is the only Shimano series you can use this way, because the other Shimano models have the right side threads machined into the cartridge body.

There's more at http://sheldonbrown.com/raleigh26.html

Anyway, what I'm trying to figure out is spindle length. The Shimano bb is 127mm. The old Raleigh 8C bb spindle measures 140mm long. But trying to measure where the cranks line up on the spindle ... chainline ... crank clearance ... yeah it gets fuzzy. I guess I'll just go for it and let y'all know how it works.

As always, any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks. by: 71.135.57.231

ENGLISH ROADSTERS: What's all this about ?posted by: Steve on 4/1/2008 at 8:25:34 AM

I remember the write up article in a bicycling magazine when the Schwinn Black Phantom first made it's re-apearence. Every minute detail of the bike was gone over by Wes Pinchot ( The fork key lock doctor) and he was not unduly harsh. He was right on in his criticism.

Re- pop stuff is tinny, corners are cut. There are many ways to screw something up and the re-pop makers find a way every time. There are a few exceptions, some things are as good ever were. But not when it comes to bicycles.In the bike world, re-pop is a mistake.

by: 161.226.4.6

RE:WANTED: Rod brake parts posted by Rif on 4/7/2008 at 9:37:53 PM

Thanks for the response guys! Howdy Sam good to see yer still around! It would seem though as I may have found what I need in the way of some vintage Raleigh pieces.Keep on rollin' along fellas, And thanks again.Rif by: 76.22.89.205

AGE / VALUE: Bluemelsposted by: Ted on 3/30/2008 at 10:35:51 PM

Which Bluemels mudguards would I want for a Clubman restoration with 27" wheels? I have original Featherweights on my '51 but I know I won't find those. I see Popular and Club on Ebay but are those too wide? Ted by: 76.126.26.60

The Popular mudguards were fitted by many club riders, I have a BSA Goldcrest, 27" wheels fitted with Bluemels Populars complete with a front mudflap....looks good. by: 78.150.253.69

RE:AGE / VALUE: Bluemels posted by David on 3/31/2008 at 7:16:45 PM

There are several on Ebay right now. Not particularly cheap. by: 216.15.114.27

RE:AGE / VALUE: Bluemels posted by Warren on 3/31/2008 at 7:26:23 PM

It depends on whether you are using the EA1 or 27" wheels. I think the Popular, All Rounders and alloy "Tour de France" look great with the bigger wheels while the Club, Lightweight and alloy AirWeights look adequate on the 26 inch wheels. Have a look at Peter Kohlers bikes on Retro Raleighs.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/clubman-kohler.html

The wider fenders generally need to be trimmed at the chainstay bridge to fit. I agree with Martin that Populars are fine and they show up often on ebay. I have a pair on a 63 Gran Sport that also suit the part. by: 24.222.223.49